How many people are on a water polo team?

Answer 1

In the water at any one time each team has 7 players (6 outfield players and 1 goalie) playing, therefore from both teams a total of fourteen are in the pool playing.

However a team also consists of up to 6 substitutes making a team of 13 players including the goalies. An active player has to have left the pool before a substitute can replace them, however this can occur at any time during the match, substitutions do not have to wait until a break in play. The reason for the large number of substitutes is due to the physical nature of the game requiring regular substitutions to allow players to play at their full capacity. Also with only 6 outfield players there is no where to hide during a match, with all players having to actively contribute to attack and defense.